The Auckland District Law Society Inc (ADLSI) has teamed up with the
University of Auckland’s law school to launch a work experience pilot programme.
Announced last week, the programme will enable senior law students to gain experience in the legal sector, ADLSI President Brian Keene QC said.
“It gives them an idea of what working life after university might be like and also the chance to sample different specialist areas, which will help with job choices after graduation.”
The programme will connect fourth and fifth-year law students with both paid and volunteer work experience opportunities with Auckland -based law firms.
Auckland University Law Students Society (AULSS) president Ben Kirkpatrick said that working with ADLSI made sense.
“ADLSI is connected with barristers and smaller firms in a way that AULSS is not, so the partnership is a natural fit. I’m sure that it will enable many more students to gain real-life legal experience.
The chance to gain work experience while still studying is a fantastic opportunity, and will be really helpful in allowing students to broaden their horizons, Kirkpatrick said.
“We’ve been very pleasantly surprised by the number of paid positions being advertised.
“The scheme has a lot of potential and AULSS will be doing all it can to encourage participation and make sure it continues past the end of the year and extends to other regions.”
The programme is also being welcomed by Dr Andrew Stockley, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland.
“It is encouraging to see ADLSI and AULSS working together and building on the strong relationship ADLSI has with the Faculty of Law. Creating opportunities for more law students to gain experience while studying benefits not only the students, but also the firms involved. It is pleasing to see the programme has captured the imagination of students and firms alike,”
Students wishing to browse opportunities or firms wishing to post an opportunity on the online noticeboard should visit
www.adls.org.nz for more details.
